oooops

[fastec27]

Two weeks ago at the Sun Classic in Orlando, One of the fields at the Osceola complex had to start 8:00 AM games at about 8:20 because the Sun was right behind the pitcher. I'm one to play through things and a former catcher but you could not see the pitcher let alone the ball. In some cases this original post makes sense.

[DP3816]

Is this for real? delays due to the position of the sun?

I've never heard of such a thing.

[gdennis]

That's a pretty shady excuse (pardon the pun) for asking for a delay in the game. I have never heard of a blue delaying a game due to the sun (except perhaps in 8U rec ball). Sun, wind, morning dew... those are obstacles that have to be overcome when playing outdoor sports. I agree with the previous post. Instead of forfeiting the game, you should have used the adversity as a coaching opportunity, particularly since it was only a friendly. Presumably, that will not be the last time your players will have to face the bright sun in their softball careers.

I would be curious if there were other games being played at that time, and if so, did any of those coaches ask for a delay too? Also, with the sun setting, was a delay even possible (i.e. did the fields have lights available)?

[cyagoball]

It is part of the game. Whether you play first and you have the sun in your eyes from the third base side, or you are a catcher/batter battling a setting sun...With that rationale you would have to assess the impact of the sun's position at every fielding position throughout the day. I think it is crazy to stall a game based on the position of the sun. As far as it being dangerous, the game can be dangerous. Move her back, get her a mask, whatever. JMO (Doesn't matter if it is a friendly, qualifier, etc....)

[EverySingleWeekend]

We were in Vegas a few years ago. The wind gusts were so bad that they literally blew the pitchers from both teams off the rubber. (This was 12U or 14U, can't remember) The umps stopped the game for about 10 minutes until the wind died down enough to continue. Yes, most of the time they play through sun glare, wind, rain, whatever...but sometimes they just can't!